DA says prison 'appropriate' for former Auburn cop found guilty of taking bribes and misconduct

Former Auburn police officer Brian K. Hutchings, now a convicted felon, faces a much lengthier prison sentence than what was initially reported.

Hutchings, 49, of 72 Metcalf Drive, could be imprisoned up to six to 18 years after he was convicted on 29 bribery- and misconduct-related charges last week, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said.

The prosecutor said he had yet to decide on what his sentence recommendation would be but said some prison time would be appropriate. Hutchings, who is being held in county jail, is to be sentenced on May 3.

“I’m clearly thinking some amount of prison is appropriate given that he was going to expose this victim to prison to cover up his own misdoings,’’ Budelmann said.

“His position all along was he didn’t do anything wrong. It’s hard to argue for leniency given that,’’ he added.

Emil Rossi, who defended Hutchings during his trial, declined to comment for this story.

Budelmann initially said Hutchings, who was a police officer for 19 years until he was fired last April, faced a maximum of two and one-third to seven year’s imprisonment.

After Hutchings was convicted last Tuesday of several felony crimes, Budelmann said the former cop could be imprisoned a maximum six to 18 years because some of his felonies carry the possibility for him to serve concurrent prison sentences.

“I don’t think a judge would do that but that’s his exposure,’’ Budelmann said.

Hutchings was convicted of misusing his position to accept free and discounted services at his home from two Auburn contractors between 2007 and 2008.

On several occasions he tipped off the businesses as to when and where the state Department of Transportation was conducting unannounced commercial vehicle inspections. When one of the businesses tried to collect an overdue $1,800 bill from Hutchings, he threatened to write false tickets against the company.

He also roughed up one of the company’s truck drivers and filed a bogus arrest report against the driver. Had the driver been convicted of those charges he could have gone to prison.

“I think prison is appropriate given the severity of that. It’s not just abusing your position for personal gain, it’s abusing your position for personal gain and a willingness to let an innocent person go to prison for it,’’ Budelmann said.